Such a great story but really not a great writer. I am surprised that I never heard about these books during the 70s when he was doing this journey, writing about it and being covered by National Geographic. I recently [2011] read both this one where he leaves NY and ends up in New Orleans, and the second book The Walk West which takes him across the country to the Oregon coast. I was so impressed by his story but shocked by his naivete'. In spite of the poor writing, these have really stayed with me.
An interesting journey across America in the early 70's and a good read as the author grows and broadens his view of life.
An interesting read. More than just a story of a guy walking across the US, but his interesting experiences with the people he met along the way. Kinda ends weird with his awakening to religion.
The author is obviously not a professional writer, but the content is really interesting and inspirational.
Peter Jenkins story of his 1973-1975 walk from New York to New Orleans is one of those books that you just can not put done once you have started. You will find yourself thinking about the book when you should be doing other things and you can't wait to pick it up again. When I finished reading the book I wanted more. I even purchased the old April 1977 National Geographic Magazine to read his article that he wrote for them and see even more of the pictures of his journey. Luckly, Jenkins journey does not stop in New Orleans, his walk continues and so do his books: The Walk West, The Road Unseen, Close Friends, and Across China.
Peter Jenkins says, "I started out searching for myself and my country and found both." The story would have been good enough just hearing about the trip, the things that he saw, how he survived, and the companionship of his faithful dog; but what make the book great is the people. The people that he meets, how they accept him, and in some cases don't. It is the sociology as well as the adventure that make this one of the best books I ever read for pleasure
This is one omy all time favorite books. Peter Jenkins walks across america, meets incredible people and finds himself.
Jack Kerouc of the 1970s. But how can you claim to have crossed the United States when it is all east of the Mississippi? Pretty good pictures for the 1970s.
(OK, this was only the first part, like any good writer, he left room for a sequel, he finished in Oregon a few years after the stuff in this book was finished.)
An awesome chronicle of one man and his super-hero dog hotfooting across the grand ole U S A. Amazing! He discovers this country's roots and soul!
